CRAVE: Ask Nancy

You can eat the sugar, Sugar! Scented sugars can be made using a variety of seasonings. Layer regular granulated sugar in a pint jar with vanilla beans. Let sit for a couple of weeks and you will have the best sugar ever for hot coffee. Use dried lemon and lime peels to layer with the sugar and use it for iced tea. I will try this with Splenda and let you know how it works in a month or so!

Happy New Year!

Nancy

Microwave Dry Lemon Peel

Rub the exterior of a lemon against a grater or zester to rub off only the yellow portion of the peel. Stop grating when the white pith becomes exposed. Line a paper plate with two layers of paper towels. Arrange the grated peel in a ring shape on the paper towels. Microwave on 70 percent power for 12 to 13 minutes, stirring halfway through heating.

Let the dried lemon peel cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage in a cool, dry place.

Oven Dry Lemon Peel

Grate only the yellow portion of six whole lemons using a grater or zester. Preheat the oven to the lowest possible setting and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scatter the grated lemon peel on top of the parchment paper on the baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven to dry the lemon peel. Dry the lemon peel for one to two hours in the oven at the lowest temperature setting until completely dried. Let cool before storing in an air tight container.